Intrathoracic extrapleural air mimicking pneumothorax: Secondary to barotrauma in COVID-19

Abstract

This case illustrates a potential complication of mechanical ventilation in COVID patients, which can mimic as a pneumothorax on chest X-rays. Recognizing this complication in critically ventilated patients is important to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention, which can further add to the patient's morbidity and increase the duration of hospital stay.

Keywords

• barotrauma
• covid-19
• extrapleural air
• pneumothorax mimic